Source: Radio New Zealand
Kyle Jamieson of Punjab Kings celebrates a wicket, 2025. ARJUN SINGH / PHOTOSPORT
The Indian Premier League heads into its 19th season this weekend with the best short-format players from around the globe playing for big money.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 IPL.
Money
- The IPL is the richest franchise T20 competition in the world with an estimated value of $30 billion.
- The most valuable franchise is Royal Challengers Bengaluru at an estimated $3b.
- The League generates around $2.3b annually, primarily from broadcast rights.
- The 10 franchises had a combined total of $50 million to spend on the player auction in December.
- Kokata paid $4.78m for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green.
- The IPL winners will collect $5m.
Owners
- The IPL is owned and run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, while the individual franchises are owned by various multi-national companies, celebrities, individuals and private equity groups.
- In March Royal Challengers Bengaluru was sold by the Indian arm of UK-based drinks giant Diageo to a group headed by Aditya Birla Group which specialises in cement, fashion, metals and chemicals.
- Bollywood is heavily involved including actor Shah Rukh Khan who is a part owner of the Kolkata franchise and Preity Zinta who is with the Punjab Kings.
- Many of the celebrities attend matches to add some extra sparkle and increase the fan-base for their teams.
History
- The first tournament was played in 2008.
- Most wins; Five, Mumbai Indians (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) and Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)
- Current champions; Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Rachin Ravindra of Chennai Super Kings. © R Param / Sportzpics for IPL 2025 / PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand involvement
Twelve New Zealanders are taking part in the 2026 competition with eight of those picked up in the auction.
- Chennai Super Kings; Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes. Coach Stephen Fleming.
- Delhi Capitals; Kyle Jamieson.
- Gujurat Titans; Glenn Phillips.
- Kolkata Knight Riders; Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra.
- Mumbai Indians; Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult.
- Punjab Kings; Lockie Ferguson.
- Rajasthan Royals; Adam Milne.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru; Jacob Duffy.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad; Coach Daniel Vettori.
Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrates their IPL win, 2025. ARJUN SINGH / PHOTOSPORT
Records
- Highest innings score, 287/3 by Sunrisers Hyderbad against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024
- Highest score, 175* Chris Gayle. Also has most sixes 357.
- Most total runs, 8,661 Virat Kohli (2008-present)
- Most wickets, 221 Yuzvendra Chahal (2011-present)
- Best bowling figures, 6/12 Alzarri Joseph for Mumbai Indians against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019.
- Most appearances, MS Donhi 278 (2008-present)
Format
- Double round-robin before the top four teams meet in the play-offs.
- Competition runs from 28 March to 31 May.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
